The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is set to kick off later this month, and all the participating teams, including the Super Eagles have released their provisional squads.
On Tuesday, coach Eric Chelle’s provisional squad was revealed, with many regulars named alongside some new faces.
The list is expected to be trimmed to 28 players in the coming days. And while a large portion of that number is predictable, there are still a few spots that are up for grabs.
As usual, squad lists divide opinions, as coaches and their technical staff often see things differently than the average fan.
Also, national team coaches often have biases and prefer to use players they have worked with previously and trust.
Ahead of the official unveiling of the Super Eagles squad for the 2025 AFCON, Soccernet.ng will highlight five high-profile players who made Chelle’s 55-man provisional list but will likely be left out of the final selection.
1. Paul Onuachu
The Trabzonspor man is probably wondering what he has to do to get a Super Eagles call-up. He has been consistent in the last four months, banging in goals in Turkey.
This season, he has registered 11 goals and one assist for Trabzonspor. He also sits at the summit of the goalscorers’ chart in Turkey. In fact, he is Nigeria’s highest goalscorer in Europe.
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Paul Onuachu
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However, Chelle does not seem to have been impressed with his exploits. Despite his fine form, Onuachu has not been invited to the Super Eagles squad.
Chelle has preferred Tolu Arokodare, who has a similar profile but is struggling at Wolves. Going into the AFCON 2025, it will be surprising if Chelle changes his mind.
2. Francis Uzoho
Francis Uzoho is no stranger to manning the sticks for the Super Eagles, as he has 35 caps to his name. But he has not played for Nigeria since January 2024.
At club level, he hasn’t been playing regularly for Omonia, as he is the designated second-choice shot-stopper.
There are only three spots for goalkeepers in every tournament squad. And Nigeria’s best two goalies are Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye. It is difficult to see him sneak into the third spot.
3. Felix Agu
That the Werder Bremen man even made the provisional list is a big surprise. The 26-year-old defender has been injured since the start of October and has been inactive since then.
Agu is still recovering from his injury and is expected to return to action next year. As such, only a miracle will get him fit and ready to play in Morocco.
4. Taiwo Awoniyi
Taiwo Awoniyi has had a tough year so far. Injuries have dealt him a bad hand, and when he’s been fit, he has had to play from the bench, due to the tough competition for game time at his club.
This season, he has only featured in four games, and he did not even play the full 90 minutes in any of them. Goals have also become hard to come by nowadays.
So, it will be a big shock if Chelle names his squad and Awoniyi makes it.
5. Victor Boniface
The Werder Bremen man is also one of the surprises from Eric Chelle’s provisional squad.
Just like Awoniyi, injuries have dealt him a bad hand. But this season, he has been playing, albeit from the bench. However, he has not inspired much confidence.
Although he has three assists to his name, he has not scored for his club this season. Considering the fact that other strikers are in good form, his inclusion will be a surprise.